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MDC commemorates Africa Day
Movement for Democratic Change
May 25, 2011

The MDC joins the rest of Africa in celebrating Africa Day. To us in Zimbabwe, the day represents a cherished dream. We fought gallantly against colonialism in a national project whose ideals unfortunately have yet to be realised after a colossal betrayal by an elite we sincerely entrusted with our mandate to help us assume a new identity in the changed circumstances.

Within a short space of time we realised that our lives started to stagnate, later to regress, into a national crisis of governance that nearly thrust us in a state of permanent disability.

Our experience showcased negative returns fairly early into independence with the unfortunate spectre of violence and human rights abuses, particularly in western Zimbabwe where - while estimates vary - close to 20 000 people are believed to have been massacred in the Gukurahundi era. The peace dividend we desired after almost a century of colonialism was hardly claimed as Zanu PF paid little or no heed to universal human rights conventions; denied us the space to extend our freedom; and muzzled the advance of our common humanity.

Our plight took an even nastier turn by the end of the millennium when the people sought to challenge Mugabe and Zanu PF hegemony and unbridled supremacy over the people. That struggle is still with us although we, as the MDC, are happy to note that it is now in its penultimate stages. This year's Africa Day theme; "The State of Peace and Security in Africa" is appropriate considering our continued fight for democracy, human rights, and against poverty, elite corruption and disease.

Our African culture is clear and unambiguous: we celebrate our diversity; dialogue and democracy; we see our differences as invaluable sources of strength; and love peace and security. However, despite these flaws, the people's party of excellence, the MDC would like to take this opportunity and salute the people of Africa, especially the African Union and SADC for stepping into Zimbabwe as underwriters of a transition and peace pact to see us through 28 difficult years of a dictatorship.

The support Africa proffered to Zimbabwe was historic much as it was appreciated. The MDC believes in Africa and has faith the continent's solidarity with Zimbabweans whose roots date back to the struggle against colonialism.

As we commemorate this great day, we remain optimistic that all is not lost. With our collective potential always beckoning for attention, peace and security are non-negotiable. Examples from else in Africa show that significant strides have been made to empower the people as evidenced by the emergence of more than two dozen nascent democracies spurred by a generational evolution of Africa's leadership in the recent past.

This democratic journey in Africa, although not fully fledged in some countries must be maintained. Africa must be able to sustain the budding democratic culture; to root essential institutions that protect and respect the sanctity of an African life; to open up its societies to unfettered opportunities for all.

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